Ata Rangi Your Wine Guy

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YWG note:The Ata Rangi Pinot has been judged the world’s best Pinot Noir no less than 3 times, winning the hugely coveted Bouchard-Finlayson Trophy for Best Pinot Noir at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London. This recognition on the world stage followed a ten year period of gold medal and trophy successes in numerous major Australasian wine shows.

The following information is sourced from Ata Rangi www.atarangi.co.nz 04/08/11

ATA RANGI "new beginning" or "dawn sky" was a barren 5-hectare paddock when Clive Paton bought it in 1980. He was one of a handful of winemaking pioneers in Martinborough, then a forgotten rural settlement, who were attracted to the area by three key features - the localised, free-draining shingle terrace some 20 metres deep, the lowest rainfall records of anywhere in the North Island, and the proximity to the capital city of Wellington, just an hour away.
Clive, who'd farmed in the area, knew the land well. He chose mainly red varieties - Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah - and set out in pursuit of world class wines. Pinot Noir's potential shone from the start - the early wines widely appreciated for their texture and for their pure fruit expression of the variety. The early days were tough with no income, trees or shelter belts (the Wairarapa is renowned for its relentless, drying nor-westers) and little experience. The first winemakers persevered, sharing knowledge and ideas, as well as equipment and winery space. Clive grew pumpkins and garlic between the rows, carting them to the markets in Wellington.
His faith in the area paid off.
Today the wines enjoy an enviable international reputation, with listings in many of the finest restaurants of the world. As Bob Campbell MW notes "It's true - Ata Rangi has the Midas touch with all of its wines."
Around 15,000 cases are produced from the 35 hectares of vineyards supplying fruit to the winery. Over half is exported, mainly to Australia, the UK, USA and Japan. The winery shop welcomes visitors all year around. Hours are 1pm to 3pm midweek, and Noon to 4pm weekends and holidays.
Thirty years after the start of the wine industry here, Martinborough is thriving. The charming, leafy wine village with its cluster of restaurants, cafes and interesting shops centred around a park-like Square is a popular destination for wine and food-lovers or for those simply seeking a retreat from city life.

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